Scholars Sign On

Youngsters to join Under-18s squad...

ELEVEN young Potters put pen to paper at the bet365 Stadium last week as Stoke City welcomed its latest intake of scholars.

The youngsters, along with their proud families filled the Sir Stanley Matthews Lounge where they were welcomed by the Club’s Chief Executive Tony Scholes and Academy Director Gareth Jennings

Each player then penned two-year scholarships forms as they prepare to continue their development on a full-time basis at the Club’s Category One Academy.

Six of the 11 players have been with the Potters’ highly-regarded Academy for at least six years, while three arrive from French club Amiens, one from Manchester and one from America.

A full list of those who will now link up with the Club’s Under-18s squad can be seen below:

Mohamed Akandji – Tall centre back who is a very good athlete. Exciting prospect due to his athleticism but can also handle the ball well. Parisian signed from Amiens this summer. (Subject to international clearance)

Lewis Macari – Been at the Club since the age of 10 and grandson of former manager Lou Macari. Versatile central defender who is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Played a few times for the Under-18s last season at full back. Very diligent and reads the game well. Lives in Alsager.

Adam Porter – Lives in Biddulph and is a die-hard Stoke City supporter who has had a season ticket since he was four years old. Footballing midfielder who has been at the Club since the age of six. Recently added to his game the capability to move from box to box. Extremely intelligent player who picks up good positions on the pitch to receive the ball. Featured a lot for the Under-18s last season.

Soiyir Sanali – Clever midfield player who likes to get on the ball and dominate possession. Impressed during a trial last season. Signed from Amiens this summer. (Subject to international clearance)

Patrick Jarrett – Heralds from Nantwich. Attack-minded midfielder who has been at the Club since the age of eight. Had experience with England at Under-15 level. Featured a few times for the Club’s Under-18s side towards the end of last season and did very well. Extremely comfortable at travelling with the ball at his feet and likes to take on and beat his opponent.

Reece Jones – Local player from Meir who has been at the Club since the age of six. An extremely quick right winger who is very direct and likes to take on his opponent one v one. Shown good dedication and application to earn his scholarship.

Ibrahim Doucoure – Very athletic and powerful midfield player who can get from box to box quickly. Very good at breaking up play when out of possession but also solid on the ball. Signed from Amiens this summer. (Subject to international clearance)

Daniel Malone – Tidy central midfielder who has been at the Club since the age of 10. Player who retains possession well and very good in tight spaces. Gained experience playing for Wales over the last couple of years. Lives in Chester.

Kieran Coates – Local player from Smallthorne who has been at the Club since the age of seven. A very athletic right back who gets up and down the pitch well. Previously played for the Under-18s when at Under-15s level. Can also operate in midfield.

Dillon Keane – Winger from California who impressed on trial last season. Comes in off the line to find pockets of space but also not shy to run in behind defences. Decent athlete who picks up tactical information very quickly. (Subject to international clearance)

Nathan Broome – Goalkeeper signed from Manchester City in the summer. Manchester based player. Very comfortable with the ball at his feet and a decent shot stopper.